Portfolio: Firm expands product line

Teleflex Inc. of Limerick on Monday said it has expanded its portfolio of Hudson RCI respiratory products for the critical care of infants as part of its Breathing, Made Easier campaign.

Teleflex will add Babi.Plus Bubble PAP Valve, a device that helps provide babies with positive airway pressure. The device is low-maintenance and the ergonomic design allows airway pressure to be easily set without the time-consuming tasks typically associated with bubble devices.

APP: Health insurer Independence Blue Cross, or IBX, on Monday said it has contracted with Relay Network LLC to launch a free, innovative way to provide IBX members with an even higher level of service communications by using their on their smartphones.

The IBX Wire allows members to connect directly to Independence Blue Cross through their own private, digital space, making it easier to stay on top of need-to-know personal health information, complete transactions and get one-to-one support.

It is not available for Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement coverage, Blue Extra, Medicaid or CHIP members.

To learn more about IBX Wire visit www.ibx.com.

RATES: The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, or DCED, on Tuesday said that it has reduced the interest rates of five business loan programs to encourage new economic growth and job creation.

In December, DCED lowered the interest rates for the Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund, the Small Business First Program, the Pollution Prevention Assistance Program and the Export Financing Program from 2.75 percent to 1.50 percent.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, or PIDA, approved lowering its interest rates to 1.50 percent.

PIDA and DCED will also waive its fees charged to the borrowers. The new rates will initially be in place for applications received through March 31.

For more information about DCED and other Jobs First PA initiatives, visit newPA.com/jobs1st or call 1-866-466-3972.